The Best Protein-Free Hair Products
The best hair products that are free of protein
How We Picked
Our CurlsBot algorithm analyzed these products and found that they are free of protein.
clarifying shampoos
Curl Reset Detox Shampoo
Curlsmith
This shampoo was recently reformulated to remove not just product buildup, but also mineral buildup from hard water.
Water Works Clarifying Shampoo
Ouidad
This clarifying shampoo contains sulfates, making it ideal for occasional use to remove product buildup, especially for those with low-porosity hair. While effective, it may be drying. To minimize this, focus application on the scalp and consider adding conditioner to the ends.
Wash & Scrub Detox Shampoo
Curlsmith
Mud Pie Clay Clarifying Treatment
Ecoslay
Scalp Care Clarifying Shampoo
Maui Moisture
conditioners
Super Moisture Conditioner
California Naturals
Super moisturizing, protein-free conditioner is fantastic for erasing frizz and defending from split ends!
Big Energy Conditioner
Curl Keeper
An ultra-lightweight conditione to keep hair big, bouncy, and full of life
Essential Moisture Conditioner
Curlsmith
This has a small amount of isopropyl alcohol, which we mark as caution, but as it's last on the ingredients list and this is a product meant to be washed out, it's unlikely to be harmful for hair.
Rehydr8 Moisture Conditioner
Malibu C
A deep treatment that delivers intense moisture to dry, brittle hair, transforming it into soft, shiny strands
Illumin8 Conditioner
Malibu C
An oil-fusion treatment that infuses lightweight, non-greasy emollients to boost shine
Prime 3-Minute Moisture Conditioner
Miche
A fast-acting conditioner that hydrates, detangles, and smooths, with pro-Vitamin B5 and nourishing botanicals
Behentrimonium Chloride 2% Conditioner
The Ordinary
With only 7 ingredients and no oils, this conditioner is ideal for those with low porosity hair.
Detangling Conditioner
Tootilab
A detangling conditioner with lots of slip.
Water Activated Conditioner
Wakati
A patented, high-slip formula that makes detangling easy, while smoothing cuticles and sealing in moisture
Super Smooth Cream Conditioner
Bounce Curl
Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Conditioner
Giovanni
Clarity Conditioner
Innersense
Curl Jelly Conditioner
Umberto Giannini
cowashes
Curl Quenching Conditioning Wash
Curlsmith
A 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner that gently cleanses buildup, soothes the scalp, promotes healthy hair growth, and boosts shine
Curl Shaper Double Duty Weightless Cleansing Conditioner
Ouidad
A gentle low pH cleanser. Has a drying alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) but low on the ingredients list and this is less of a concern in a wash-out product.
Coconut Cowash Cleansing Conditioner
As I Am
Hydra Drench Cleansing Conditioner
Bounce Curl
creams
Curl Quenching Hair Butter
Fix My Curls
A lightweight, vegan hair butter that delivers deep moisture for easy curl revival!
Curl Defining Cream
Rizos
A curl cream that defines texture without crunch, leaving curls bouncy, shiny, frizz-free, and weightless
Super Curl Moisture Cream
Uncle Funky's Daughter
Detangles tight textures, defines looser curls, and hydrates with almond oil, coconut oil, and shea butter
Avocado & Rose Oil Clump & Define Cream
Bounce Curl
Weightless Air Dry Cream
Curlsmith
Lemon Buttercream Styling Cream
Ecoslay
Pinapple Swirl Curl Defining Cream
Pacifica
custards
Gelebration Spray
Jessicurl
Technically not a custard, but serves the same purpose
Curling Jelly Coil and Curl Definer
As I Am
Curl Defining Styling Souffle
Curlsmith
Rockin' Ringlets Styling Potion
Jessicurl
Curling Custard
Kinky Curly
deep conditioners
Therapy Session Hair Mask
Eva NYC
Delivers 48-hour smoothness while deeply conditioning and repairing hair to be 2X stronger and 3X more hydrated
HoliRoots Hair Mask
Fable & Mane
A rich and moisturizing deep treatment / hair mask that is designed to restore hydration, add shine and smooth frizz
S.O.S. Deep Moisture + Restore Conditioner
Hairitage
A deep conditioner that delivers intense hydration, volume, and rejuvenation to dry, damaged strands
Deep Conditioning Treatment
Jessicurl
A deeply moisturizing conditioner ideal for daily use on coarse hair or as a treatment for medium textures, delivering intense hydration with a rich, herbal blend and no buildup
Tough Love Intense Bonding Treatment
Not Your Mothers
Strengthens hair, reduces breakage by 56% after one use, and leaves it softer, smoother, and bouncier
Nourish + Restore Papaya & Mango Deep Conditioning Mask
Rucker Roots
An ultra-thick, deeply moisturizing mask that nourishes and restores dry, brittle hair from the root
Honey Chia Smoothing Mask
Sauce Beauty
Delivers intense moisture, smoothing curls without weighing them down
Double Cream Deep Quencher
Curlsmith
Banana Cream Deep Conditioner
Ecoslay
Deep Conditioner & Repair
Love Ur Curls
foams
Curl Boosting Hair Mousse
Herbal Essences
gels
Curl Keeper Original Liquid Styler
Curl Keeper
A water-based formula that reactivates with water for frizz control and curl refresh without buildup
Spray Gel
Curl Keeper
Spray gel that delivers the hold of a gel with added definition, volume, and shine—made with gentle, natural ingredients
Orange Marmalade Flaxseed and Aloe Curl Definer
Ecoslay
CurlsBot note: This is the main styling product I use on my own hair- Melissa
Pamper My Curls Curl Sculpting Glaze Strong Hold Gel
Inahsi
A protein-free strong-hold glaze that defines curls, fights frizz, adds shine, and holds styles without white residue
Aloe Vera Hair Gel
Rahua
A soft hold, protein free hair gel that shapes strands; infusing hair with nutrients to promote optimal health
All Weather Styling Gel
Tootilab
An all-purpose gel that will hold your curls/waves even in humid weather.
All About Curls High Definition Gel
Zotos
A color-safe styling gel that delivers strong hold, locks in moisture, and enhances shine for firmly defined, frizz-free curls
Jello Shot Curl Defining Gel
Ecoslay
LA Hold Styling Gel
Giovanni
I Create Hold
Innersense
Spiralicious
Jessicurl
Irish Sea Moss Styling Gel
Love Ur Curls
Curl Jelly Scrunching Jelly
Umberto Giannini
leave ins
Leave-in Detangler
All About Curls
Softens curls, controls frizz on no-cleanse days, and makes detangling and styling easy for all curl types
Hydrate & Plump Leave-In Conditioner
Curlsmith
This has a small amount of isopropyl alcohol, which we mark as caution, but as it's towards the end of the ingredients list so it's unlikely to be harmful for hair.
Mane Magic 10-in-1 Primer
Eva NYC
Strengthens, protects from heat/UV/frizz, detangles, softens, adds shine, smooths, nourishes, and cuts drying time
No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum
Olaplex
Shields hair from pollution and protects against heat damage while adding satin shine and reducing static and tangles
Refresh & Detangle Spray
Rizos Curls
A refreshing detangling spray that revives curls between washes and smooths freshly washed hair
OPP One Pass Press Heat Protectant Spray
The Doux
Prevents heat damage while also bonding and repairing hair
Soft Leave-In Cream
Tootilab
A lightweight leave-in that prevents your hair from getting dry
Moisture Balance Leave-In Conditioner
Bounce Curl
Rice Pudding Leave-In Conditioner and Moisturizer
Ecoslay
Direct Leave In Weightless Moisture Conditioner
Giovanni
oils
Bonding Concentrate
bondbar
Boosts shine, tames flyaways, protects from heat, and hydrates with nourishing oils and bonding technology
No. 7 Bonding Oil
Olaplex
Lightweight oil that adds shine, reduces breakage, controls frizz for 72 hours, and protects against heat up to 450°F
Doux Drops
The Doux
A shine-boosting, bond-building serum that repairs and strengthens hair, smooths the cuticle, and protects against breakage—perfect for straight styles, blowouts, or curly wash days
A Walk in The Sun Luxury Hair Oil
Voir
A lightweight, hair oil that locks in moisture (without the grease), unlocks beachy waves, and uplifts your shine.
100% Plant-Derived Squalane
The Ordinary
100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil
The Ordinary
The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil
The Ordinary
pre-poo
Bonding Primer
bondbar
Instantly helps repair hair, smooth strands and reduce breakage after just one use
No. 3 Hair Perfector
Olaplex
A pre-shampoo treatment to repair and strengthen hair from the inside out
shampoos
Cleansing Shampoo
Fix My Curls
A mild shampoo that rids your scalp of buildup without stripping it of any natural oils
Smooth As Silk™ Deep Moisture Shampoo
Giovanni
An excellent low-pH (~5 protects against frizz) shampoo at a great price.
Outta My Hair Gentle Daily Shampoo
Hairitage
This shampoo cleanses impurities and excess oils without stripping hair
Curl Liberating Shampoo
Imbue
A sulfate-free shampoo that removes buildup without stripping moisture, leaving curls soft, shiny, and defined
Cleansed Moisturizing Shampoo
Miche
A sulfate-free, pH-balanced shampoo that moisturizes, restores dry hair, and stimulates the scalp
Gentle Shampoo
Tootilab
A gentle shampoo with lots of slip and a low pH (which helps prevent frizz).
Sunrise Rituals: Signature Shampoo
Voir
A daily go-to shampoo infused with hyaluronic and lactic acids that gently cleanses while boosting smoothness and shine
Essential Moisture Cleanser
Curlsmith
Full Body Weightless Cleanser
Curlsmith
Chai Latte Hair Cleanser
Ecoslay
Clarity Hairbath
Innersense
VitalCurl+ Clear & Gentle Shampoo
Ouidad
Sulphate 4% Cleanser for Body and Hair
The Ordinary
sprays
treatments
Swimmers Wellness Remedy
Malibu C
Removes chlorine, copper, and pool buildup to restore shine, vibrancy, and health to hair
Swim Spritz Crystals
Malibu C
A post-swim essential with activated vitamin C that removes chlorine and its byproducts from hair to prevent damage
Hard Water Wellness Remedy
Malibu C
Remove hard water buildup to restore shine and softness to hair with this chelating treatment
SahaScalp Cooling Scalp Mud Mask
Sable & Mane
A post-shampoo scalp mask with Sea Silt to purify, Neem/Menthol to soothe, and Apricot Oil to restore moisture levels
Scalp Scrub Exfoliating Scalp Treatment
Umberto Giannini
A natural exfoliating treatment that removes dead skin and excess oil to prevent flakes and restore a healthy scalp
Ginger and Moringa Tea Rinse
Ecoslay